This review is for unfinished Red Oak, 2 and 1/4 inch width, 1-7 foot random lengths, Select and Better grade. I purchased 28 bundles (about 500 square feet).

I worked with John, who assured me the quality is high. The product is not at the level of quality I expected after the assurances from speaking to John. There are three specific area of disappointment:

1. The delivery experience. The wood was on two (stacked) pallets. The bottom pallet was broken, so the entire load of hardwood was not supported as it should have been. This caused problems getting the load to clear the sides of the truck because the width increases when a rectangle load is tilted badly, so multiple bumps and bruises as the load was being maneuvered out of the truck.

2. There are a significant number of pieces in the bundles I opened so far (three) under a foot. The wood is specified as 1-7 ft. And the mix of lengths is difficult to work with as there are an inordinate number of shorter pieces (under 2 feet) and not many medium length (3-5 ft).

3. There are a significant number of pieces which are unusable due to missing tongues, cracked ends, or bad gouges.

In conclusion, this is the first and last time I use Hurst for my hardwood orders. The ordering experience was very easy and pleasant, but the product does not meet the advertised quality.

I've emailed Hurst to make them aware of my disappointment. John offered to send me a few extra bundles. I let him know I don't want the same product, and would rather they compensate me by exchanging a few unopened bundles with the wood from a different mill. I'll submit an update if and when something is done.